McCarthy calls for realism

Mick McCarthy has warned fans not to expect too much from the players who are close to returning from injury.

Last Updated: 05/01/11 9:29am

Wolves manager Mick McCarthy has warned fans not to expect too much from the key players who are on the brink of returning from injury.

McCarthy's men take on Chelsea at Molineux on Wednesday evening with striker Kevin Doyle back in the squad after recovering from a thigh problem, while Karl Henry is likely to make his comeback for the FA Cup game against Doncaster at the weekend and long-term absentee Jody Craddock has also returned to training.

However, while McCarthy acknowledges the returning first-team players will provide a boost for his side, the manager stressed that they cannot be expected to work miracles as Wolves look to climb out of the Premier League drop zone.

Realistic

He said: "Let me clear something up - they're not coming back with tights and a cape on, and knickers on the outside of them because we were beaten when they were in the team as well.

"So let's not just think they're going to come flying on to the pitch and that's us all sorted. But it will certainly help.

"We name 25 players and we'd like the ones who are first choice to be fit."

While encouraged by Chelsea's recent struggles, McCarthy is by no means expecting an easy encounter on Wednesday night.

"Quite clearly they're not as invincible as they were," he added. "But I don't get that wonderful warm feeling that we're just going to slap them."

One member of McCarthy's squad relishing the prospect of facing Chelsea is midfielder Nenad Milijas, who is keen to get one over on his fellow Serbian and close friend Branislav Ivanovic.

"He (Ivanovic) is my really great friend. I've known him for a long time," said Milijas.

"We are together with the national team and over here he comes to my house or I go to his house.

"He is a great player who has been playing in England for a long time now.

Important

"I think he has become one of the most important players for Chelsea - but I hope to beat him on Wednesday.

"That would make me happy and I won't let him forget it. I will talk about it all the time!

"I hope to make his life a misery although we will still be friends afterwards."